HTACCESS File Extension

What is HTACCESS file?

HTACCESS is a Apache Web server configuration file. HTACCESS files do not include a filename before the dot. HTACCESS files should not be manually edited by non-authorized or unqualified users. Such files are typically protected and hidden. HTACCESS files store information in plain text.

Apache server configuration

HTACCESS files contains configuration settings that define such server functions as:

• Index page of a directory
• Access settings for for specific IPs
• Error 404 (Page not found) page settings
• Page redirects settings
• Restricting access to certain directories and pages
• Additional server security settings.

Programs which support HTACCESS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open HTACCESS files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with HTACCESS suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 11/08/2022

How to open file with HTACCESS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening HTACCESS files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with HTACCESS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Windows Notepad

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports HTACCESS files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Windows Notepad or one of the recommended programs (for example, Adobe Dreamweaver, Apache http server, NotePad++ text editor) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Windows Notepad installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Windows Notepad and update if needed

If the problems with opening HTACCESS files still occur even after installing Windows Notepad, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Windows Notepad is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why HTACCESS files are not compatible with Windows Notepad. The most recent version of Windows Notepad is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Apache HTACCESS Format files with Windows Notepad

After installing Windows Notepad (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open HTACCESS files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the HTACCESS file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Windows Notepad is installed, check the Always use this app to open HTACCESS files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HTACCESS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with HTACCESS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the HTACCESS is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper HTACCESS file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The HTACCESS may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the HTACCESS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the HTACCESS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the HTACCESS file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with HTACCESS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Apache HTACCESS Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Windows Notepad

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with HTACCESS extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Apache HTACCESS Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HTACCESS files affecting older versions of given software.

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